The Christian life isn’t just a changed life, but an exchanged life. At the moment of conversion, we give our old life to God and He gives us a new life in its place. But He does more; He comes to live within us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul made the contrast between being drunk with wine and being filled with the Spirit. When one takes control of us, it can lead to all kinds of mistakes; when the other takes control of us, it can lead to all kinds of goodness. One is counterproductive, while the other is productive. One makes us powerless, while the other empowers us. One brings us sadness, while the other brings us joy. This Scripture isn’t a promise or even an option, it’s a command: ‘Be filled with the Spirit.’ And Paul gives us three indications of a Spirit-filled life: 1) ‘Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord’ (v. 19 NKJV). This song isn’t caused by circumstances, but is in spite of them. ‘At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God…and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed’ (Acts 16:25-26 NKJV). Praising God can open doors and break chains. 2) ‘Giving thanks always for all things to God’ (Ephesians 5:20 NKJV). Spirit-filled people have problems like everyone else. But they don’t focus on their problems; they remember God’s blessings and stay positive, upbeat, and grateful. 3) ‘Submitting to one another in the fear of God’ (v. 21 NKJV). Spirit-filled people think of others. They’re compassionate, focused on showing God’s love to others, and look to create an atmosphere of peace.
